A FAMILY friendly off-road circuit has been added to this year’s Rotary Club of Taunton 50/50 cycle ride.

The event, supported by the County Gazette during its 19-year existence, starts and finishes at the Genesis Centre at Somerset College, Taunton, on Sunday, June 22, with the first riders pedalling off at 10am.

As well as the 11, 18 and 28-mile challenges, the ride will include a 2.6k route in Longrun Meadow, with riders welcome to complete as many circuits as they wish.

Organiser Bob Greenwood said: “It’s an ideal opportunity for play groups, junior sports clubs, primary schools etc to raise funds to support their activities.”

The concept of 50/50, which has raised more than £170,000 for charitable causes over the years, is that half of the money goes to a charity of club of the participant’s choice and the rest is donated to causes supported by the Rotary Club of Taunton Charity Trust Fund.

There are individual and team prizes, including the President’s Cup for firms, the Gazette Cup for schools, a Primary School Cup for the first time and the Beer Direct Cup for licensed premises.

The person who raises the most sponsorship will win a bike donated by Ralph Colman Cycles, while there are runners-up vouchers of £100, £75 and £50 donated by Taunton Leisure.

The day also includes a classic car display, bouncy castle, ice creams and refreshments.

Entry forms can be downloaded via www.tauntonrotary.com or from Jacky Ford on 01823–277057, e-mail ford-jacky@sky.com